Chiliasm

Chiliasm Definition

Chiliasm is a religious doctrine or belief asserting that Christ will reign upon the earth for a period of one thousand years. This belief has manifested in numerous cultic and sectarian movements throughout the history of the Christian Church.

Historical Context

Examples of chiliast movements are found in the medieval period, notably among the Taborites, who were led by the Bohemian priest Martin Huska. These groups preached the imminent arrival of Christ, which they believed would be preceded by a period of catastrophe, leading to a subsequent New Age of Christ’s earthly rule.

Relationship to Millenarianism

Chiliasm is considered a specific manifestation of millenarianism, sharing many of its core characteristics in anticipation of the Second Coming.

Social and Communal Behaviour

In expectation of this eschatological event, chiliast communities often adopted radical social practices. They tended to separate from the established social order, both spiritually and physically. This separation involved achieving a state of collective emancipation where traditional authorities, norms, and legal restraints were rejected. Furthermore, these communities frequently shunned family and home structures and redistributed material possessions into common funds.